Gratitude Challenge – November 1 Devotions

Happy November 1st!Here it is… the month that we in the US celebrate Thanksgiving, and thoughts turn to expressing gratitude for all the things we’re thankful for in our lives. Of course, if this “Attitude of Gratitude” continued throughout the year, we might find it becomes a way of life to be more positive and thankful on a regular basis.

But why not start with one month? So here’s my challenge to you readers: each day this month, express your gratitude for at least one person, possession, event, or other detail in your life.

I started doing this about 3 years ago because my youngest daughter extended the challenge and she was posting her own gratitude thoughts daily on Facebook. In addition, I was motivated by a quote I read, asking something like, “What if the only things left in your life today are the things you thanked God for yesterday?” With few exceptions, I have posted my “Attitude of Gratitude” thoughts almost daily on my Facebook timeline, and it’s a rewarding experience.

In line with this idea, onto today’s devotions…

“During this Thanksgiving month,

I encourage you to take time each day

to thank God or something He has done for you.

Being specific about something each day

that is especially meaningful to you

will be a blessing to you…and to God.

There is so much in life to be thankful for,

and that’s where you need to keep your focus–

not just on Thanksgiving Day, but every day.

Fill your mind with memories

that are true, pure, lovely, excellent, and worthy of praise.

Then express your thanks to God.”

–Joyce Meyer in “Ending Your Day Right”

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My reflections:

This practice of expressing daily gratitude has been such a good exercise in overcoming negativity and focusing on the positive. Even when things are less than ideal, there is always SOMETHING to be thankful for on a daily basis.

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So what are YOUR thoughts?

Do you practice expressing daily gratitude? Will you accept my challenge and express gratitude every day this month (at least), on Facebook, on your blog, or elsewhere in your daily life?

I love this!! I’ve made it a daily habit to express my gratitude. Wow, what this does for increasing your positivity and bringing more wonderful things into your life to be grateful for. Thanks for posting.Cindy Buccieri recently posted..Add a Splash of Color to Your Home

I love this idea of extending this out throughout the year. It’s sort of (although not) along the same lines as my thoughts on Small Business Saturday which happens once a year. Why just do it once a year when you can be more attuned to doing it all year long? Doesn’t that help more people? More businesses? Your idea does the same thing. If you show your gratitude all year long whether it be once a month, or once a week, or once a day…the impact is great and undeniable. I don’t always practice this, but I think now is as good a time as any to start.

Every night before bed, my husband and I ask the kids to tell us their ‘thanksfuls’. They say anything from water to an activity they did that day to the family’s good health. And then it’s our turn. It’s a great tradition and we always take time to do it even when bedtime is slipping away…because it’s a great habit to instill! Thanks for sharing!